Coconut industry development plan launched in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, August 18 (PIA)--The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Program that seeks to increase the productivity and income of coconut farmers was launched in Bohol on Wednesday, August 17, 2022,

CFIDP was developed to set the directions and policies that will benefit the coconut farmers and development of the coconut industry in the next 50 years.

The CFIDP is authorized by Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act, signed on Feb. 26, 2021, by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The plan was approved on June 2 via Executive Order No. 172.

PCA Administrator Benjamin Madrigal Jr., during the CFIDP regional launching and information caravan on Wednesday said the gathering with farmers, 14 CFIDP representatives and stakeholders was intended to provide a full view of the comprehensive package of benefits to the coconut farmers, including social and production interventions and jumpstart the rehabilitation and development of the coconut industry.

“All programs should be accessible to all our farmers,” Madrigal told the participants inside the Bohol Cultural Center and other participants who joined the activity online.

Boholano farmers displaced by Typhoon Odette were encouraged to apply as members of cooperatives and farmer’s associations to increase their productivity and income.

In Bohol, almost half of the 6.7 million coconut trees were toppled down by Typhoon Odette’s wrath on December 16, 2021.

The PCA has intensified the planting of coconuts to replace the 3.1 million coconut trees that were knocked down by the typhoon.

On the part of the Provincial Government of Bohol, they will hire 38 agriculturists to assist PCA for the implementation of the program.

The CFIDP regional launching and information caravan in Bohol is in partnership with the PCA, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region VII, and the Provincial Government of Bohol.

The event is in line with the 36th National Coconut Week Celebration carrying the theme, ”Masaganang Niyugan: Katuwang tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan.” (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)

Coconut products like virgin coconut oil, vinegar, and other products made from Bohol are displayed during the launching of the Regional Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City on August 17, 2022. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)